Means for coupling and sealing membrane carrying tube sections

ABSTRACT

Porous, tubular core sections coated with a semipermeable membrane are joined at their ends by a simplified coupling member. Each coupling member or connector comprises a cylindrical flange member having circularly barbed or serrated nipples which fit tightly into the ends of bores of adjacent core sections. The ends of the cores abut against the circular part of the coupling member. Surrounding the joint thus formed is a flexible, elastomeric sealing sleeve. The nipples on the coupling member are axially slotted and have neck parts of a smaller diameter adjacent the body part of the coupling member providing annular openings between these neck parts and the bores of core members permitting continuous flow of permeate and cleaning solution without there being appendages, cavities, or pockets in which permeate or cleaning solution could be trapped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates primarily to the construction of joints or the joining of ends of porous tubular core members having semipermeable membranes on the surface thereof. The invention is adaptable to many types of apparatus wherein separating membranes are utilized for separation of materials from a fluid. It has adaptability to membrane separation cells of reverse osmosis machines and the exemplary form of the invention as described in detail herein is embodied in that type of machine. The invention is adaptable in membrane separation apparatus where other fluids are involved, such as food processes, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One type of membrane separation cell or module utilizing a porous core member carrying a membrane is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,400,825. A generally similar type of cell constructed of core sections joined together is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,660. In this patent, end fittings are employed in the ends of core sections. These fittings are joinable by way of bayonet slot type joints.

The herein invention resides primarily in improvements in means for joining and sealing core sections coated with membrane. Improved, simplified connectors or coupling members are provided for joining the core sections with improved sealing means, particularly in the form of an elastomeric sleeve which fits over the joint between the connector and the ends of the core sections.

An additional feature of the improved connecting or coupling means as described in detail hereinafter is the elimination of appendages in which fluid might be trapped. This feature provides a significant capability by way of a "clean in place" (CIP) feature. This capability is mandatory and imperatively required by the Federal Food and Drug Adminstration on all food and drug processing equipment for processing substances which are to be used for human consumption.

In the light of the foregoing brief references to the invention, a primary object of the invention is to realize economy of parts and improved joining capability and sealing capabilities in the connecting or joining of membrane-carrying porous core sections.

A further object is to facilitate simplified connecting and disconnecting capability with respect to such core sections.

Another object is to realize and provide more effective sealing capability with respect to the connected or coupled joints.

A further object is to provide a simplified and improved means of uncoupling joints.

A further object is to realize in a simplified form a "clean in place" (CIP) capability or characteristic in the cell made of connected membrane-carrying core sections.

A further object is to provide an improved connector means of a special configuration whereby the CIP capability is realized.

A further object is to provide an improved connector means as described in the foregoing having a universal capability of allowing limited angular displacement of flexure of joints between core sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a single cell and header of a membrane separation machine, such as a reverse osmosis machine having multiple cells;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the cell and header and part of a U-bend tube;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the improved connector or coupling and sealing between cell core sections;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view like that of FIG. 3 showing the sealing sleeve folded back on itself for one coupling;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view like those of FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the flow of cleaning solution when cleaning;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to the views of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing a modified form of coupler or connector; and

FIG. 7 is a view of a tool used for separating coupled sections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As stated, the invention may be embodied in various types of membrane separation cells wherein materials are separated by passage through a membrane. The herein invention in its exemplary form is illustrated as embodied in a reverse osmosis machine having multiple cells, each of which embodies membrane bearing cores which are coupled and sealed together. U.S. Pat. No. 3,400,825 shows a basic type of cell for a reverse osmosis machine. U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,660 shows a reverse osmosis machine having cells made up of core sections coupled together. It is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings show a single cell and part of a U-bend tube and a header of a reverse osmosis machine of a type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,660. Numeral 10 designates a tube sheet which receives the end of U-bend 12 in which is positioned one of the membrane carrying cells designated generally at 13. Numeral 17 designates a header having mounting lugs whereby it can be attached to tube sheet 10 by suitable means. It has a body part 18 having a counterbore 19, a smaller counterbore 20, and an end bore 22. Bore 22 is in an extending end boss 24 of smaller diameter. Body part 18 has an additional similar portion which receives the end of another U-bend tube 12' as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,660 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Bore 19 is bevelled at its end as shown at 26 to accommodate O-ring 30 which seals it to tube sheet 10. Header 17 may have an inlet opening that is designated at 34.

In a typical machine of the type referred to, U-bend tubes 12 are connected by headers of the type described in a complete array, as in the prior patents referred to.

Membrane separation cell 13 is cylindrical and has a plastic end fitting 38. The configuration of fitting 38 can readily be seen in FIG. 1. It has a cylindrical part 46 having equally angularly spaced ribs 48, the outside surfaces of which have a taper as shown at 50. The end part of each rib is cut away, forming a square shoulder 52. At the left end of fitting 38, there are portions 62, 64, and 66 of progressively smaller diameter. FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which fitting 38 fits into header casting 17. End part 62 of fitting 38 is in counterbore 20 and abuts against O-ring 63. Part 64 fits into bore 22. Part 66 is a ribbed nipple that extends exteriorly of casting 17. Fitting 38 has a cylindrical bore 72. Its right ends extends through tube sheet 10, and it is coupled to the core section as will be described, ribs 48 abutting the end of tube 12.

Membrane separation cell 13 is formed in modular sections as may be seen in FIGS. 1 through 6. Each one of the sections in the form of the invention shown comprises a cylindrical porous core member which may be made of ceramic designated at 76. The porous core member has a bore 78. Numeral 76' designates another similar modular core member.

Numeral 82 designates one of the core connectors or couplers. Preferably, couplers are made of plastic and have a configuration as illustrated in the drawings. Each coupler has a cylindrical flange-like body part 83 from which extend in opposite directions nipples as designated at 86 and 86' (see FIGS. 3-5). Each of these nipples has circumferential or annular ribs, serrations, or barbs 87 and 87'. The nipples have axial end slots 90 and 90' which extend back to a position adjacent to, but spaced from the cylindrical flange part 83. Between the serrated or barb parts of the nipple and central part 83 are intermediate parts 92 and 92' which are of smaller diameter than bore 78 of a core section. Thus, there is an annular space 93 between part 92 of coupler 82 and bore 78 of a core section and a similar annular space 93' on the other side of body part 83. These annular spaces communicate with the inner ends of slots 90 and 90' for purposes as will be described. The barb or serrated end surfaces of nipples 86 and 86', having the axial slots in them permits deflection or compression of the barbed surfaces when the nipples are inserted into the bores of the cores, thus accommodating for a variance in core/bore diameter.

Core sections are coated or covered by separating membrane 100 which may be of a type referred to in the previous patents.

Numeral 106 designates a sleeve made of elastomeric material. Sleeve 106 occupies a position as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. As may be seen, the ends of core sections 76 and 76' are joined by connector or coupler 82 with a cylindrical body part 83 positioned between the ends of the core sections which abut against the cylindrical sections. Sleeve 106 which is flexible, bridges the joint between core sections.

FIGS. 1 and 6 illustrate how core sections are joined together by the connectors or couplings into elongated cells or modules which are then assembled into U-bend tubes 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. End fitting 38 at one end of the module fits into header 17 as described. As may be seen, end fitting 38 fits into the end of tube 12. It has an extending part 46 having an outside diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of core section 76 with its membrane 100. End fitting 38 has a bore 72 with a counterbore 88 at the end of a size to receive one of the nipples 86 of connector 82 which is the same in construction as connector 82'.

It will be understood that in the exemplary form of the invention, illustratively, a reverse osmosis machine concentrate is on the outside of the cores bearing the membranes and permeate is in the bores in the core sections and is taken off through the nipples as illustrated at 66.

One of the unique capabilities of the invention is that ease of coupling and uncoupling is realized, the core sections themselves being difficult to handle in long lengths. The barbs or serrations on nipples 86 and 86' do not damage the bores of core sections when coupling or uncoupling.

For purposes of uncoupling, the sleeve material which is a material that retains its elasticity during extended operating periods is folded back on itself as illustrated in FIG. 4. In normal position shown in FIG. 3, the sleeve covers the parts of the cores coated with membrane 100. When the sleeve is folded back as may be observed, uncoupling may be effected merely by withdrawing nipples from their respective bores. For purposes of uncoupling, preferably a special tool may be utilized as shown in FIG. 7, it being in the form of a pliers having handle members 110 and 112 pivotally attached together and sharp blades 114 and 116 oriented so that they can be positioned to be forced between core ends and side surfaces of flange part 83 of the coupling members 82 (see FIG. 4). Blades 114 and 116 are at the ends of handles 110 and 112 and lie in a plane as shown. Thus, coupling is easily performed, and there is a substantial economy in number and simplicity of parts. Sleeve 106 when in place acts as a seal, preventing the concentrate from entering the interior of the cores except by way of permeation through membrane 100.

An additional, unique capability of the invention is that of being able to realize a "clean in place" (CIP) feature. It is imperatively necessary for processing any substances which are to be used for human consumption. Such a feature is required and specified in respect of all food and drug processing equipment by the Federal Food and Drug Administration and all dairy associations. The cleaning process consists of circulating a cleaning and disinfecting solution through the equipment, in this exemplary case, the reverse osmosis unit, to remove any deposits and destroy any bacteria. In order to obtain CIP approval, it is necessary that the cleaning solution come in contact with all surfaces which constitute the flow path or paths and therefore it is imperative that there be no appendages to the main flow. As herein used, appendages means blind passageways, that is, passages closed at one end, not permitting a continuous flow therethrough, or cavities, likewise capable of permitting an accumulation of liquid without a continuous flow. The structure and technique as described herein eliminates such appendages, pockets, or cavities, and has the capability of readily making possible CIP approval of the machine.

FIG. 5 is illustrative of a flow of cleaning solution or fluid. As may be seen, it passes through membrane 100 and porous core member 76 and can pass into annular space 93' which is in communication with axial slot 90' so that solution can flow as shown so that all parts are exposed to it and by way of continuous flow without trapping of solution in appendages or cavities.

FIG. 6 shows a slightly modified form of the invention wherein parts which are like those of the previous embodiment are identified by the same reference character. Connector 82a has a circular body part 83a with extending nipples as in the previous embodiment. Side faces 120 and 122 of circular part 83a are made to have a spherical contour as shown. The ends of core sections 76 and 76' as designated at 124 and 126 are also constructed to have a spherical contour complementary to the contour of said side faces. As previously stated, the material of sleeve 106 is flexible. This contruction permits limited angular movement of one core relative to another which is a very desirable capability. Thus, one core can be moved into an angular relationship as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 6. This angular bending is permitted by there being limited flexibility in end parts of nipples 86 and 86'. The joint is a universal joint between cores. Typically, the cores are of a material which is basically brittle and hard to handle, particularly when several core sections are coupled together to form an elongated cell. It is desired to permit flexing of the joints to reduce the possibility of breaking the cores during insertion and removal of the cores from the cell pressure vessel, like tube 12 shown in FIG. 2.

From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will readily understand the nature and construction of the invention and the manner which it realizes and achieves all of the objects as set forth in the foregoing.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of preferred forms of the invention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, the invention to be accorded the full scope of the claims appended hereto. 

I claim:
 1. A coupling means for coupling together sections of porous tubular cores having axial bores and having a separating membrane coating the surface thereof, the coupling means comprising a connector member having a body part configurated to fit between adjacent ends of core sections, the connector member having nipples extending oppositely from the body part adapted for securement in the ends of the bores of adjacent core sections, the connector member having an axial bore therethrough and said nipples being configurated to seal the joints between the connector member and adjacent ends of core members, each of said nipples having circumferential barbs configurated to provide securement in bores of adjacent core sections, there being spaces between barbs inside the bores, axial slots formed in the material of the nipples to provide axial communication between spaces between barbs whereby cleaning fluid can permeate through a core into the spaces between barbs and can then travel axially to the end of a nipple or the interior of the axial bore.
 2. Coupling means as in claim 1, wherein each of said nipples is configurated to have a tight sealing but removable friction fit in the end of the bore of the adjacent core section.
 3. Coupling means as in claim 1 including an elastomeric sealing sleeve member positioned to bridge over joints between the connector member and adjacent ends of core members.
 4. Coupling means as in claim 3, wherein said sleeve member is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be folded back axially whereby to allow the connector member to be uncoupled or unjointed from the ends of adjacent core sections.
 5. Coupling means as in claim 2, wherein each of the nipples has a neck part of smaller diameter adjacent to the body part so as to provide an annular space between the neck part and the bore of the core section, the inner ends of said slots communicating with said annular spaces whereby to allow continuous flow of cleaning fluid passing through the porous core section into the end of said annular space and axial slot.
 6. Coupling means as in claim 5, including an elastomeric sealing sleeve member positioned to bridge over joints between a connector member and adjacent ends of core members.
 7. Coupling means as in claim 1, wherein said body part is in the form of a cylindrical flange having flat surfaces against which the ends of adjacent core sections abut.
 8. Connector means as in claim 1, wherein said body part of the connector is circular having faces of spherical configuration, the ends of said porous cores having complementary spherical configuration whereby limited angular movement of a core section relative to a connector is permitted.
 9. Coupling means for making a coupling to the end of a tubular porous core member having an axial bore and having a separating membrane coating the surface thereof, the coupling means comprising a connector member having a nipple part adapted for securement in the end of the bore of the core section, the connector having an axial bore therethrough, the nipple having circumferential barbs configurated to provide securement in the bore of the core section and there being spaces between barbs inside the bore, axial slots formed in the material of the nipple to provide axial communication between spaces between barbs whereby cleaning fluid can permeate through a core into the spaces between barbs and can then travel axially to the end of the nipple. 